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(Courtesy of the Old Colony Trust Co.. Boston, Mass) 



Return of tKe Pilgrim Fathers 

HISTORICAL PAGEANT 

Commemorating 

TKe Three Hundredth Anniversary 

of tKe 

Landing of the Pilgrims 
A'KEDWIN KEIGWIN 

M 

TIIF P.(V\Kn OF HOMK ^rlSSl()^•S of THK PRFSBVTFRIAX CHIRCH 

IX THK U. S. -V 

13() Fifth Avkntk, Xkw ^'l>KK 

Pruk. 23 Ckxts 



Fg8 



Copyrighted 

1920. 

The Board of Homp: Missions 

OF THE Presbyterian Church 

IN THE U. S. A. 



C1A575970 



I- 



$ CAST 

History : 

John Robinson: Pastor of the church at Leyden, of whom it was declared hard to 
judge whether lie delight^ most in having such a people or they in having such 
a pastor. 

John Carver: First Governor of the Colony. The leader of the illustrious band, 
and an easly victim of the hardships of the enterprise. 

William Brewster: Ruling Elder of the church at Leyden, to whom his Bible and 
his arms were equally familiar. 

Robert Cushman : A leading spirit in the adventure. He overcame others by over- 
coming himself. 

Miles Standish : Military commander of the Pilgrims. Foremost in every hazard- 
ous enterprise ; brave in combat and forebearing in victory. 

Pilgrims of Leyden: May the Empire which has sprung from their labors be per- 
manent as the rock of their landing. 

Captain Jones: The Commander of the Mayflower. A man with a lion heart. 

Seaman: Braver spirits never battled with dangers of the deep. 

Squanto : Indian Interpreter. 



Liberty: The goddess of tliat only which is just and good. 4 

Agitator : Strong to destroy but powerless to create. 

Citizen: Lover of liberty and hater of disorder. 

Tom Tamborini: Bootblack. Foreign in name, but not in soul. 

Henry Winslow Bradford: Newsboy, great friend of Tamborini. Earning money 
for an education. Of an honored though impecunious family. Not ashamed to 
work at anything whereby he may turn a penny. 

Other Characters: Capitalists, Business Men, Laborers, Women, Children. 



ATMOSPHERE 

FIRST SCENE 

Endeavor to create a reverent atmosphere by estahlisliing the true historical set- 
ting which is reHgious in every particular. 

SECOND SCENE 

Seek to convey a strong impression that the first constitution of our civil govern- 
ment was drafted and signed at sea and sul)se(|ueiitly laid at IMymouth as the corner- 
stone of American institutions, 

THIRD SCENE 

Drive home the teaching that many ntitional evils may be traced to neglect of the 
Bible and even to a greater neglect of the training of children luid indoctrinating the 
alien, also that the hope of America is in the rising generation. In this scene par- 
ticular ])rominence should be given the children in the cast. When Tamborini and 
liradford take their position beside discouraged Liberty include all children in the 
grouping. With a little artistic attention this may be made most impressive. 

If so desired patriotic hymns may be sung by the congregation between scenes. 



RETURN OF 
THE PILGRIM FATHERS 

HISTORICAL PAGEANT 

By A. EDWIN KEIGWIN 



PROLOGUE 

(Lights Out. History, carrying a large volume in left arm, supported upon left 
hip, upon which has been pasted in large zvhite letters the word "History," legible to 
the congregation, quill pen over right ear, slozvly proceeds down center aisle and 
mounts platform taking position to extreme right or left of stage in front of curtain. 
l\est book, standing upright. o)i table or stand 7>.'itli iiiseriptio)i toii'ard the audience. 

.Spotlight thrown upon history. (1)*. Where eleeticity is unobtainable use oil lamp 
or better, an old loeoniotiz'c headlight. History recites i)npressively:) 

History : We arc gathered about the shrine of American liberty to commemorate 
the three hundredth anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers. "Out of 
small beginnings great things have proceeded, and as one small candle may light 
a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many." So wrote Governor 
Bradford of the lamling of 102 high-minded adventurers Tiear Plymouth Rock in 
1620, by whicli date we commonly reckon American beginnings. 

It is especially appropriate that this service of commemoration is held in a 
sanctuary, for the Pilgrim adventure was strictly a religious one. It originated 
within a Christian church. It was brought about by two factors, the earnest 
preaching of Rev. John Robinson, pastor of the church at Leyden. and by the 
general reading of the Bible made available by its recent translation into Eng- 
lish. As they listened and read, this congregation came to feel that the elaborate 
ceremonies, the superficial life and the tyrannical power of certain lordly Prelates 
were contrary to the freedom of the Gospel. \'earnings were awakened to throw 
oflf the yoke of bondage and return to the primitive simplicity of the early 
apostolic church. 

Pondering over the matter by the light of the Word, it became clear to them 
that in this quest for greater freedom they must refrain from contending for 
their views against fellow Christians who had not caught their vision. They 
reasoned "We may not change our countrymen but we have power to change our 
country, so let us emigrate." And this they did. setting forth, a company as 
humble and insignificant as the first apostles, and succeeding as admirably.' for 
with'n three centuries a scholarly historian described these pioneers as men "who 
stand in the foremost rank of the world's men of action, having laid the founda- 
tions of a great commonwealth, whose part in the world has been great and will 
be greater yet. 

*Figures show relative stage position when words are spoken. See chart on page 24. 



To do these pioneers full justice we must view them in the correct historical 
setting, carefully distinguishin«- between the Pilgrims and the Puritans; too 
often confused. 

The Pilgrims, the first New England colonists, were not the Puritans, the 
later comers. True they had certain things in common. Both were men of the 
Bible, both were men of exacting conscience, and both passionately desired re- 
forms. At this point all resemblance ceases. 

The Puritans were socially and financiallj- superior to the Pilgrims ; many 
of the gentry and several personages of wealth and influence being included in 
the number. They emigrated to America more for political and commercial rea- 
sons. They embarked in a fleet of ten vessels. They were supplied with ample 
food, and means ; with numerous sheep, swine, cattle and horses, and many 
other provisions to contril)utc to the comfort of the colonists in the new land. One 
of the colonists, John Joslyn, estimated the total value of the cargo of this Puritan 
Fleet as upward of one million dollars — remarkable wealth compared with the 
bankrupt voyagers of the Mayflower. 

The Puritans settled in Salem and Boston, there erecting a commonwealth 
upon the political pliilosopliy that church ;uid state are essentially one and there- 
fore only actual niemliers of the clnireh may be regarded as tree men and en- 
titled to vote. 

The Pilgrims, on the other hand, were a humbler folk. Although led by uni- 
versity men they were for the most part plain country people, experienced in hus- 
bandry, having no acquaintance with trades or commerce. Disappointed in their 
efforts to secure financial l)acking from London merchants for their expedition 
to America, they disposed of their few possessions, pooled everything in the ven- 
ture and embarked upon tlie little Mayflower committing themselves absolutely to 
the guidance and care of God. They landed at Plymouth where they erected 
their commonwealtii upon a political philosophy exactly the opposite of the Puri- 
tans, namely, that the church and state are separate and tUstinct and that citizen- 
ship and the vote should not be conditioned upon church membership. 

The logical out-working of these two philosophies of civil government are 
clearly revealed in the contrasted spirit and history of the Pilgrims of Plymouth 
and the Puritans of Salem and Boston. 

For example, while the Puritans were ducking and hanging witches the Pil- 
grims held themselves aloof from such insane bigotry. Wlien Diana Sylvester 
told, in the Court of Plymouth, how she saw her neighbor, Mrs. Holmes, in con- 
versation with the devil in the form of a I'ear, the Pilgrims found her guilty of 
slander and ordered her to be publicly whipped or to pay Mrs. Holmes five Eng- 
lish pounds. Some years later a second case was tried in Plymouth, but the ac- 
cuser was literally laughed out of court. These were the only two cases ot 
witchcraft in the Pilgrim Colony. 

The pageant you are now to witness is in no sense the creation of imagina- 
tion. It adheres strictly to historical facts. Indeed, much has been taken bodily 
from authentic records of the early colonists, and from other etpially standard 
authorities. 

The movement of the pageant revolves about the Word of God. It is pro- 
duced with but one purpose that, if God ije jileased, it may convey to the mind 
and to the heart a sense of conviction and contrition wher.'in there has been the 
slightest departure from original .A.merican ideals, and that it may awaken within 
us a new determination to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made 
us free. 

Scene Oiu — The Embarkati(Mi of the Pilgrims. 



%^;, 



1920 



SCENE I 
EMBARKATION 

(Lights remaining out. Scene is laid in the church at Lcydcn. Congregation 
assembled for the closing service of a day of fasting and prayer preparatory for the 
great venture. 

Pastor Robinson is closing his sermon. 

Before curtain rises assembled worshippers are heard singing William Kethe*s 
familiar hymn, written in 1561, to Old Hundred:) 

Congregation : 

All people that on earth do dwell 
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; 
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell. 
Come ye before Him, and rejoice. 

For why, the Lord our God is good ; 
His mercy is forever sure ; 
His truth at all times firmly stood, 
And shall from age to age endure. 

CURTAIN 
(Be particular about attitude of the worshippers. 

Some stare fixedly at the preacher, some have heads inclined in thought, some 
with handkerchiefs to eyes, indicating profound emotions. 

Elder Brezvster should be seated immediately under the pulpit with his back to 
the minister, staring at ceiling.) 

Pastor Robinson : With such words I believe God would have me strengthen you 
against the fears and perplexities of the future. (2) 

In conclusion, my hearers, let me remind you that in this hazardous under- 
taking is repeated the Providential history of the patriarch, Abraham, "who by 
faith when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive 
for an inheritance, obeyed ; and he went out not knowing whither he went. By 
faith he sojourned in the land of promise as in a strange land, dwelling in tents. 
For he looked for a city which hath foundation, whose builder and maker is 
God." 

Likewise, you do now quit your possessions, forego every convenience, and 
turn your back upon your native land. You bid adieu to nearest and dearest, 
knowing not whether you shall see them more in this life. You set out not 
knowing whither you go. 

How long you must wander as Pilgrims from place to place, from one coun- 
try to another ; what hardships and difficulties you must encounter, to what dan- 
gers you must be exposed, G(3d only knoweth. Abraham acquitted himself with 
honor and fortitude, receiving the approbation of his Maker. 

Although wandering about for many years, uncertain of the time of fulfill- 
ment and the location of the land of promise, he was ever cheered by the com- 
pensating assurance that as a servant of the Most High he was carrying out the 
Divine will and working out a Providence far-reaching and beneficent. 

I exhort you to gird yourselves with the teachings of this Holy Book which 
you now have in your own tongue. Let it be the light of your counsel, the lamp 
imto your feet. Go forth in faith nothing doubting. It is God's hand leads you 
and His right hand will hold you. 

Let us pray. 

Pastor Robinson : Almighty God, who dwellest in light, and knowest as well the 
mysterious future before us as Thou knowest the inscrutable past extending cen- 
turies upon centuries behind us, guide Thou these voyagers whose lives and for- 
tunes v/e commit to Thee, and pilot the frail ship in which they are to breast the 
waves breaking yonder beyond the harbor. 



We have heard Thy voice ahove the hoarse accents of the wind, above the 
awesome beating of these throbbing hearts. Thou hast called us with the 
deep tone of Thy faithful promises. We obey Thy call. 

Almighty God, make us courageous for the great adventure upon which we 
embark and watch Thou in mercy over those from whom we are now to be 
parted. For we ask it all in the name of Christ. Amen. 

(A few moments of pause. Attention of audience held by iviping of tear- 
stained faces and effort of pastor to recover his composure. Pastor Robinson ad- 
dresses Carver, seated in congregation.) 

Pastor Robinson: Master Carver will raise the tune. (Carver rises, also congre- 
gation. Carver, finding key, do, me, sol, do, not too loud, begins to sing, all join- 
ing. Philip Doddridge's hymn, 1737, tune Dundee, 1615.) 

O God of Bethel, by whose hand 

Thy people still are fed; 
Who thro' their weary pilgrimage 

Hast all our Fathers led ; 

\ Our vows, our prayers, we now present 

Before Thy throne of grace ; 
God of our fathers, be the God 
Of their succeeding race. 

Tlirough each perplexing path of life 

Our faith in Thee doth hide, 
O spread Thy covering wings around 

And all our wanderings guide. 

Robinson : Elder Brewster will read the resolutions adopted by this congregation, 
as touching important final matters with which we are now to be concerned. 

(Congregation seated.) 

(Brezvstcr arises and addresses the pastor in quiet and ditin'-fied manner. (4) 

Brewster: Master Robinson (turning to the congregation), and fellow members, 
we have all looked forward to this day with earnest anticipation. We had hoped 
to sail for our new land, together. But Providence has ordered otherwise. We 
had not expected our going would be so sudden. The capacity of our ship being 
limited and some being unable to prepare for the voyage on so short notice, the 
congregation has taken the following action : 

(Here reads resolution.) 

"1st. It is thought best for one part to go iirst, and the other to stay, the youngest and 
strongest making the first voyage. 

"2nd. It has been voted that they who go should freely offer ihenisclves for the under- 
taking. 

"3rd. It has been voted that if the major part go the pastor sh.ill c:o with tliem ; if not 
the elder only will go. 

"4th. It has been voted that if the Lord frown upon our proceedings then those going 
shall return, the brethren remaining here to assist and to be helpful to them. But if God be 
pleased to favor our undertakttig then they who go first shall endeavot* to help over to the 
new country such as are poor and old but willing to come." 

These things, having been agreed upon, it doth now appear that the major 
part must stay and the pastor with them, for the present. The minor part will 
sail at once, and I, your elder, am fully resolved to enter upon this great work 
and sail with the first contingent. 

(Brewster takes his seat. Robert Cushman. seated in the congregation. (5) 
arises and addresses pastor.) 

Cushman: Master Robinson, this congregation having appointed John Carver and 
myself to go to England to treat with a London company for funds wherewith to 
carry out our un(' ,>rtaking, we do mow report that : 



The company seemed anxious to further our project and offered us ample 
privileges, but the King would not promise not to molest us. And the company 
likewise failed to fulfill our expectations to fit out an expedition and to provide 
us with means. But through the faith and devotion of this little company of 
Christians we have made other arrangements. Several have sold their estates 
and made a common bank, which, with the aid of certain IvOr.don friends, has 
enabled us to purchase the Speedwell, a ship of 60 tons, and to hire in England 
the Mayflower, a ship of 180 tons, for the voj-age. The Speedwell has been 
found unseaworthy, and we have dismissed her. But the Mayflower is ready to 
sail. .A.nd Captain Jones l)ids us be in haste. He is impatient to catch the ne.xt 
tide out. 

{Cushman takes his scat. Pastor Robinson arises and reads his famous charge 
to the Pilgrims. Raises his hand as signal for congregation to rise.) 

RoBiiMSON : Ere you set out upon your voyage, "1 charge you before God that you 
follow your Lord and the greater light yet to break forth out of His Holy Word. 
Our Reformed Churches will at present go no further than the institu- 
tions of their reforms. Luther and Calvin were great and shining lights in their 
time ; yet they penetrated not the whole counsel of God. 

[ beseech you, therefore, remember it — 'tis an article of your church coven- 
ant that you will be ready to receive whatever truth shall be made known to you 
from the written Word of God." 

{With great deliberation, folding the document from which he has read (the 
charge), Robinson descends from pulpit, congregation standing, and hands it to Elder 
Brezi'iter with a dignified salutation. Breu'ster and Robinson grasp hands, and look- 
ing earnestly into each other's eyes, after an impressive moment of silence, the fol- 
lozi'ing : (6 ) 

Robinson: And now we must part. 

(Long moment of impressii'c silence. Many handkerchiefs appear among zvor- 
shippers. Heads are bowed. Robinson holds Bren'ster's hand.) 

Robinson: God keep thee. 

Brewster: {Holding Robinson's hand. With emotion. Silence for a moment. 
Then:) And thee, Pastor Robinson. 

{Again long and impressive pause, sounds of quiet -weeping. Robinson and 
Brczi'ster can scarce control their emotions. Brezvster. lifting his hand zanthout hand- 
kerchief, quickly wipes azvay a tear. Robinson slozi'ly inclines his head, and very 
slozcly returns to his place in the pulpit, from zvhich he pronounces the Benediction. 
(2) Immediately congregation breaks up into groups. Much emotion, but let it be 
done quietly and zvith dignity. Strong men grasp hands, mothers and sisters zveep 
quietly in each other's arms. Then Captain Jones of the M-iyflojcer bursts in (7) 
zi'ith bluster, takes position (8). 

Jones: Time and tide wait not for man. (Turning and addressing Cushman, Jones 
continues) Is all in readiness for the voyage. Master Cushman? 

Cushman: Aye. aye. Captain Jones. (Cushman funis to company pronouncing sad 
farezvells.) Come, fellow Christians, our pilgrimage boginneth (9). The God of 
Abraham, the God of Robinson, and the God of this !)lessed Book (here holding 
up the Jl'ord of God) direct our way. 

JoNKS : (.All bluster gone: very* reverent.) .\nd pilot the Mayflower across yonder 
sea. (Pointing tozvard audience.) 

(Earnest "Amen" is heard from Carver (10) echoed by all. As the Pilgrims 
begin filing dozvn from the platform, as though tozvard sea, slowly, li'ith dignity, and 
emotion, into audience room and doz<.n the aisles to their place of assembly. History 
recites impressively (1). 

7 



History : 



Thou, too, sail on, O Ship of State ! 
Sail on, O Union, strong and great ! 
Humanity with all its fears 
With all the hopes of future years, 
Is hanging breathless on thy fate! 

We know what master laid thy keel, 
What workman wrought thy ribs of steel. 
Who made each mast, and sail, and rope, 
What anvils rang, what hammers beat. 
In what a forge and what a heat 
Were shaped the anchors of thy hope! 

Fear not each sudden sound and shock, 

'Tis of the wave and not the rock ; 

'Tis but the flapping of the sail 

And not a rent made by the gale I 

In spite of rock and tempest's roar,. 

In spite of false lights on the shore, 

Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea. 

Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee. 

Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears. 

Our faith triumphant o'er our fears. 

Are all with thee — are all with thee." 



CURTAIN. {Lights on.) 



SCENE 2 
LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS 

History : After a stormy and frightful voyage of two months the Landing of the 
Pilgrims at Plymouth in a bleak New England winter. (1) 

(/n center of platform large object to represent Plymouth Rock, a smooth face 
inclining gently tozvqrds audience. Back of platform, supposed to be heavily tvooded. 

Pageant approaches platform from rear of audience room as though coming 
up from sea. Pilgrims carrying various parcels, sailors bearing ship paraphernalia. 
Procession led by Blder Breivster, accompanied by Captain Miles Standish and John 
Carver. Lights out, except on stage.) 

Choir:* {As performers approach platform choir sing, entering at 2, standing at 3.) 

"O God, beneath Thy guiding hand. 
Our exiled fathers cross'd the sea ; 
And when they trod the wintry strand, 
With prayer and psalm they worship'd 'Hiee 

Thou heard'st well pleased, the song, the prayer ; 
Thy blessing came; and still its power 
Shall onward, through all ages, bear 
The memory of that holy hour. 

Laws, freedom, truth, and faith in God 
Came with those exiles o'er the waves ; 
And where their Pilgrim feet have trod. 
The God they trusted guards their graves. 

And here Thy name. O God of love. 
Their children's children shall adore. 
Till these eternal hills remove, 
And spring adorns the earth no more." 

(Pilgrims assemble about rock, careful that it shall be at all times in full view 
of the audience. Let no one stand between the rock and the audience. Lirewstcr 
stands to right of rock as near the audience as possible. Carver stands to left; near 
him Captain Standish.) 

Brewster: (With glad relief.) At last, at last! (4). 

*Quartette sufficient. If desired congregation may join in singing. 



Carver : Think you, Elder Brewster, we be clone with persecution and a tyranny 
that binds freedom and strangles aspiration for the humble wofship of God? (5). 

Brewster : Yea — verily, Master Carver — I believe that — and more. 

Carver: (With evident doubt, shaking his head and pronouncing zvords slczvly as 
though measuring them.) It may be so — it may be so. But alas (with a sigh) 
I can scarce believe it. (Long pause.) Mankind hath so often tried and failed. 

Brewster : I grant j'ou, Master Carver, it seemeth a hazardous undertaking, indeed, 
to flee from evils we knew so well and to commit ourselves to the arms of dan- 
gers we know not ; to set the face toward an unknown future and turn the back 
upon enemy and friend alike. (A pause of meditation. Then with earnestness 
he continues.) Aye Master Carver, and friends — ( pan.u') friends — for there be 
many such in the dear old church at Leyden, and in the mother country as well, 
friends tried and true, who contemplated our going with far more dread than 
now doth fill our hearts as we behold these frowning shores and impenetrable 
forests. We have safely sailed through yonder breakers, but we have stormier 
seas before us ere our faith has attained its goal — the wondrous vision God's 
Holy Word hath inspired. 

(At this point Captain Jones, having tucked things safely away on board the 
Mayflovier, appears striding through the audience room and to the platform. He 
carries the ship lantern in one hand, a boat hook in the other. With characterstic 
bluster and just as he starts to mount steps of platform, he begins to speak in a hale 
and hearty fashion.) 

Captai'n Jones: Well, safe at last — safe at last. (6). 

Standish: (In equally hearty manner as though in banter.) Only half safe, good 
Captain, as the other half of your voyage remains before you. (7) 

Jones : Well said ! Master Standish. well said, but my passengers at least are 
safe. (8) 

Standish : They, too, are but half safe, for as good Master Brewster hath just 
remarked — and truly — there be yet before us stormier seas than those we have 
weathered upon your good ship Mayflower. (A pause.) And, Captain, we have 
not the knowledge of these seas, nor yet the compass, to assure the safety of our 
voyage. (7) 

(Here Elder Brezvstcr brusquely interrupts.) 

Brewster : Nay, nay. Master Standish. Say not so, say not so ! We have knowl- 
edge more sure and compass more accurate e'en than Master Jones had for his 
voyage. (4) (Then droning Bible from his coat and holding it aloft he adds;)' 
Here is our knowledge— and here our compass. 

Choir: (Sings (3). Pilarims lookinq up with light of gratitude in faces. Hymn 
No. 289, Presbyterian Hymnal Revised — Munich 1693.) 

O Word of God incarnate, 

O wisdom from on high, 

O truth unchanged, unchanging, 

O liffht of our dark sky ; 

We praise Thee for the radiance 

That from the hallowed page, 

A lantern to our footsteps 

Shines on from age to age. 

It floateth like a hanner 

Before God's hosts unfurled ; 

It shineth like a beacon 

Above the darkening world. 

It is the chart and compass 

That o'er life's surging sea, 

'Mid mists and rocks and quicksands. 

Still guides, O Christ, to Thee. 



(.-it this point ())ic of the sailors ))i07'cs sloxcly from the group to'<.iards audience 
as though to go north-card along the shore, -icith an axe over his shoulder (9). As 
he docs so Brewster addresses him.) 

Brewster: Whither goest, Master Seaman? (10) 

Skamax: To fell the first tree wherewith to Ijuild tlie good Elder a home. 

Brewster : Nay ! Stay thee ! Not today, not today. Knovvcit thou not it is the 
Sabbath? We will not desecrate this hour nor yet this new land to which the 
Lord hath brought us by aught of labor on His day. 

{Turning from the sailor to the Pilgrims Breivstcr continues .) 

Brewster: Behold this rock — in very truth a God-made altar. (Moves .slowly to 
11). Let us gather here about and render up the heart's thanksgiving for the 
Providence which hath safely brought us here. 

(Low murmurs of approval are heard among the Pilgriins as one by one, not 
all together, and not abruptly, they Icneel in prayer.) 

(.Silent Prayer. This can he made most impressive.) 

(Stage director study grouping in great detail. ' Avoid stiffness and uniformity. 
A sigh or two during prayer will heighten effect. Don't overdo it.) 

{Without aunouneing a Pilgrim starts hynnt softly, in zvhich all u'lite •) 

''Praise God, {rem whom all blessings .low ; 
Praise Him all creatures here below ; 

Praise Him above, ye iieavenly host ; 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." 

(Then Elder Brewster calls for the reading of the compact or first draft of a civil 
government previously drazvn up and signed at sea and upon the lid of the chest be- 
longing to Captain Standish.) 

Brewster: And now to business (pause) God's business. (11) 

(He addresses Carver.) 

Brewster: Master Carver, hast thou the compact we signed upon tlie Mayflower 
while far at sea? 

Carver: Aye, Master Brewster. (5) 

Brewster: Then be it read that all may write its precepts upon the heart. 

Carver: (Producing document.) Fellow Pilgrims, we are about to erect a com- 
monwealth as we sincerely hope after the pattern of New Testament teaching. 

We did not await actual landing before taking steps to establish some form 
of government to which all might subscribe and to which all must yield obedient 
allegiance. And this was done none too soon, it having appeared while we Avere 
yet at sea that men cannot dwell together in peace and concord without some 
clear definition of the articles of faith that mutually bind ihem. The articles 
of our common faith I hold in hand. They were read to you and to ihcm you 
have subscribed your several names. This then is the foundation slone of the 
commonwealth which we do now purpose to erect. Let none treat it lightly. 

This instrument represents a solemn covenant between men and women who 
must either live together bound by its obligations and guided by its precepts, or 
die apart destroyed by disunion and enguHed in dishonor. 

Hear ye the covenant. 

(In a clear, calm voice, he reads the compact.) 

"In the name of God, Amen." (5) 

10 



"We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sov- 
ereign, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, 
King and Defender of the Faith. 

"Having undertaken for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian 
faith, and honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the new colony in 
a new world, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, and in the presence 
of God and of one another, covenant and bind ourselves together in a civil body 
politic, for our" better order and preservation and furtherance of the ends afore- 
said ; and by virtue thereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal 
laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be 
thought most needed and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto 
which we promise all due submission and obedience in the Lord. 

"In witness whereof, we have here undersigned our names the twenty-first 
day of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign, Anno Domini, 1620." 

{Turning to the Pilgrims and slowly sweeping the circle with his eyes, after a 
brief pause, he adds •) 

Pilgrims, are ye of the same mind as when ye signed this compact? 

Pilgrims : We are, God helping us. (Earnestly looking at one another and nodding 
assent.) 

Carver: Then so be it — (pause) — and so it is. 

Wherefore I call this stone to witness these your solemn vows that years 

hence ye may ne'er forget this covenant, and that generations yet unborn may 

know the temper and the spirit of the men and women who laid this corner- 
stone. 

(Here tapping stone lightly three times as following words are spoken:) 

In the Name of the Father (tap), and of the Son (tap) and of the Holy 
Ghost (tap). 

In witness whereof I do now inscribe the date. (12) 

(As he inscribes it upon the face with large chalk letters, he pronounces each 
numeral as it is written. Make this very impressive. Assembled Pilgrims stand with 
bozved heads in reverential attitude.) 

(Here silence and not a move by anyone for about ten seconds.) 

(During foregoing reading of compact Captain Standish has been solemnly 
scrutinising the dense timber just behind and above the Pilgrims, noiv and then cast- 
ing his eyes up and doxvn the sea coast.) 

(As Carver completes inscription upon the stone Standish is seen to slowly draw 
his sword. Indians approach stealthily from the audience, pausing once or tn'ice as 
though uncertain zchether to proceed. Pilgrims huddle together in remote corner of 
the stage, diagonallx opposite to .Standish (3). Breivster, Carver and Captain Jones 
and other men of party gather about Standish in the foreground (7). Indians mount 
platform. Squanto, having been carried to England by a former Virginia e.ypedi- 
tion and hainng lived in London for some months, there picking up a smattering of 
English, addresses Statidish:) 

Squanto : English : 

(No reply.) 

Squanto: English? 

Carver: Yes. {Short an.nuer.) ^ 

Squanto : Peace ! Peace ! 
Carver : Then your tomahawks ! 

11 



(Extends left luiiid to receive it; right hand holding szcord.) 

Squaxto: No tomahawks! (hands extended.) No tomahawks! Peace! Peace! 

(Carver and Indian withdraw to one side of stage in foreground (7). Other In- 
dians stand as statuary in front of platform, not having yet ascended steps, con-* 
f erring in whispers, li'hilc zvhispcrcd consullation is in progress Pilgrims (13) sing as 
though praying, the following hymn softly, to tune of Saint Anne:) 

Our God, our help in ages past, 

Our hope for yt;ars to come. 
Our shelter in the stormy blast 

And our eternal home. 

Under the shadow of Thy throne 

Thy saints have dwelt secure ; 
Sufficient is Thine arm alone. 

And our defence is sure. 

(As singing ceases Standish (7) turns, side face Pa audience, and addresses 
Brezcster (11). 

Standish : Master Brewster, it doth appear this Indian hath seen England, where- 
unto he was taken upon the return of Master Hunt's expedition from this con- 
tinent. He did live in London for a space, and hath acquired a smattering of 
English, which he speaketh fairly well. He hath informed me the Indians are 
peaceable. Prepare the council fire and he shall be our interpreter. 

(Indians ascend to the platforvt, seat themselves in a circle about the fire (16). 
Pilgrims group themselves in background (17 and 18). Standish (7) and Carver (8) 
in the foreground. 

(Pipe of peace is passed from Carver to Indian chief, then crov.nd the circle, 
each Indian in turn putting pipe to lips.) 

(ll'hile this scene is being enacted choir (3) sings hymn of Felicia D. Hemans, 
written in 1828 (American Hymnal, Century Co., jVo. 648.) 

Choir: "The breaking waves dashed high 

On a stern and rock-bound coast, 
And t4ie woods against a stormy sky 
Their giant branches tossed. 
And the heavy night hung dark 
The hills and waters o'er. 
When a band of exiles moo/ed their bark 
On the wild New England shore. 

Not as the conqueror comes. 

They, the true-hearted came ; 

Not with the roll of the stirring drums, 

And the trumpet that sings of fame; 

Not as the flying come, 

In silence and in fear; 

They shook the depths of the desert gloom 

With their hymns of lofty cheer. 

Amidst the storm they sang, 

And the stars heard, and the sea ; 

And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang 

To the anthem of the free: 

The ocean eagle soared 

From his nest by the white wave's foam. 

And the rocking pines of the forest roared. 

This was their welcome home. 

12 



What sought they thus afar? 

Bright jewels of the mine? 

The weahh of seas, the spoils of war? 

They sought a faith's pure shrine. 

Ay, call it holy ground. 

The soil which first they trod; 

They have left unstained what there they found, 

Freedom to worship God." 

CURTAIN 

(Cast leave by rear of platform (2). Lights on.) 



SCENE 3 
PILGRIMAGE TO PLYMOUTH ROCK 

History : An interval of three hundred years. The Pilgrimage to Plymouth Rock 
and the Return of the Pilgrim Fathers (24). 

(Rock in center of platform zvith date of landing inscribed upon face.) 

(Lights out. CURTAIN.) 

(Liberty enters from right or left and calls America to celebrate, standing imme- 
diately back of rock (18). 

Liberty : 

Round this consecrated rock 

Convenec thf patriarchal stock ; 

'Twas here that every lifted hand 

Affirmed the charter of our land. 

The storms of bickering were hushed 

As new light shone from heaven, as though 

From mystic ineteor upon this stone. 

Yet meteor it was not — • 

For like the rainbow seen of yore 

This light still shines, proclaiming far and wide 

That Pilgrim man so long oppressed 

Here finds his promised place of rest. 

Heirs of the Pilgrims ! Come renew 

Tlie oath your fathers swore for you, ^ 

Your ardent vow to heaven breathe 

To shield the rights they have bequeathed. 

Let faction from our realm be hurled ; 

United, we defy the world. 

(Adapted from Ode used in \777 upon a similar ncca.'-ion.) 

(Responding celebrants proceed dozvn the aisles to platform with deliberation. 
So far as possible, class and racial distinction should be emphasised in costuming of 
company. Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, children.) 

(Effect will he heightened by giving prominence to any local situation, political or 
industrial.) 

(Reaching platform participants inspect rock zvith manifest interest. Then form 
semi-circle about it. This grouping completed bootblack approaches from audience 
whistling a patriotic popular song. When twenty paces from platform begins to 
call:) 

Tamborini: Shine? Shine? 

(Reaching platform he first accosts capitalist, zvho, smiling upon him. replies:) 

Capit.\li3T; Not today. But you look so cheerful I am wondering who shincd your 
face this morning (1). 

13 



Ta.mborim : My Uncle Sam, Sir! 

Capitalist: Xo doul)t about your patriotism, is there? (LaiKjhiiig.) 

Tamborini: You said it. 

(Then he continues to viinglc among the company zvith his cheery "Shine! 
Shine.''" until lost in the crowd.) 

(Then newsboy, armful of papers, enters back of audience room singing to the 
luiie "Scotland's Burning," (sing twice). 

Bradford ; Morning papers, morning papers, 

All the riots, rows and capers. 
Tribune, Times, Sun and Herald, 

(Adapt na)ncs of papers to give local color.) 

(Then begin to call:) 

Bradford: Morning papers! (Drawl xvord "morning") Morning papers I Full ac- 
count of the celebration. 

Brsi.XKSs Max; Here, boy! (9). 

(Buys paper. Iiegins to read.) 

(A'cwsboy circulates among crowd calling "Morning Papers" He does a good 
business. Finally is lost to sight. Those zvho have bought papers eagerly scan 
headlines and comment upon articles. As newsboy is lost sight of, an agitator takes 
position on rock (5) and begins harangue.) 

Agitator: Fellow citizens! Stung again. Here's a lot more of that highbrow stuff 
(holding up paper) about this country being founded on ideals of rehgion. 1 
am sick and tired of all that nonsense. It's pure bunk they use, to bunco the 
toiler out of his rights. I didn't come here to be preached to, did you? 

Radicals : No ! No ! No ! 

Citizk.x : What kind of talk my friend, did you c.vpcct at a Pilgrim celebration? 
(6) (Kindly spoken.) 

Agitator: 1 expected to hear about liberty and freedom, the freedom those wise 
old guys brought over with them m the Mayflower. That's what we want to hear 
about, isn't it. boys? 

Radicals : Sure thing ! 

CiTizKN : Lil)erty, indeed ! Much you know about liiierty. You wouldn't recognize 
Liberty if she came strolling down the street. (Good naturcdly.) 

Agitator: You're another. I'll bet I know more about liberty than you do. (Get- 
ting net lied.) 

Citizen : Well, come now, my friend, tell us. what is liljerty? 

Agitator : Liberty is doing as 1 please and making others do as I please to have 
them. (Wanning up.) 

Radicals: Hravo ! You said it! That's a mouthful for him. 

Citize.x : (Laughing heartily.) That's not liberty; that's the red stuff we Ameri- 
cans call frenzied freedom. Its just that sort of talk that has filled our land 
with idleness, ill will and anarchy. (Then with kindly eanirstncss.) My friend, 
it is high time you learned that there are two kinds of liberty. The false lib- 
erty where one is free to do as one likes; the true liberty where one is free to do 
what one ought. 

14 



Not until rights are founded upon reverence for the law of God and respect 
for the rights of others, will the rights of any man be secure. Not until freedom 
is based upon love will it be complete. Not until liberty is built upon eternal 
principles will it be full, equal, lofty and universal. 

Liberty is not the right of one but all. We are all in the same boat so it 
behooves us to get together. I advise you to remember the immortal words of 
Daniel Webster, "Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable." 

Agitator: Punk! (Nozu very angry. Mops broK' as though perspiring.) All 

punk ! That sounds well, but it don't pay the bills. You needn't think you high- 
brows are the only guys with friends among the ancient statesmen. The common 
people also have some friends. Ever hear of Abraham Lincoln? Some man 
that ! Believe me ! Well Lincoln said "You can fool some of the people some 
of the time, but you can't fool all the people all of the time." Put that in your 
pipe and smoke it. 

R.-VDicALS : Bully for you I Bully for you 1 

Agitator: You fellows know what lilierty is. don't you.'' 

Radicals : Sure we do ! 

Agitator : Well, give the gentlemen your ideas. What is your idea of liberty, my 
friends : 

A Voice : Free speech. 

A Voice: One hundred per cent, beer I 

A Voice : Open saloons, openly arrived at. 

Agitator: Now you're talking! Keep him on the run! Loosen up! Tell the high- 
brow what we stand for — and what we propose to get — by the Eternal! ! ! 

A Voice : We stand for freedom from all governments, churches, s3'nagogues and 
God. Long live freedom, equality, brotherhood and happiness ! 

Voice: We're for chucking the capitalistic class, Congress, the .Senate and the wliole 
bunch. 

Voice : And. don't forget the Constitution. 

Agitator: What's the Constitution? (Sarcastically.) 

Voice: A scrap of paper. 

3 Voices Together: Down with the Constitution! Long live the Soviet! 

12 Voices Together: Down with America! Up with Internationalism! 

Radicals : Down with peace ! Up with Revolution ! 

(During this heated controversy Liberty has slowly bowed her head, loii'ered 
her torch, and zvithdrawing in dignified manner to corner of the foreground (7) has 
seated herself on a sto)ie and laid dozvn the bowl of her torch towards the audience, 
on the floor, the other end in her hand.) 

(IV hereupon Bradford and Taniborini take their position upon either side of 
Liberty, putting protecting arms about her, as though to give comfort; all childroi of 
cast cluster about.) 

(When last voice front the crozvd has been heard, bootblack turns from Liberty, 
and with evident indignation, shouts challenge at crozvd:) 

Tamborini : Say, you guys cut it out. You can't get away with that stuff here, see? 
Take it back where you got it. If you don't like America you don't have to 
stay, see? Go back where you belong; you don't seem to belong here. Just 
wait till we boys grow up. We'll show you where you get off (8). 

15 



(At this several men and women come forth from crowd, arasp bootblack by the 
hand and pat him upon the shoulder.) 

(A motherly old woman, having congratulated him, addresses Liberty sadly:) 
Woman: Oh, Libertj', Liberty, how much of folly is spoken in thy name! (Pause) 
(9). Land sakes, it's a wonder she's got a leg to stand on, considering all the bat- 
tles she's been through. Bloody battles in which enough blood has been shed to 
drown her ten times over. But she looks good to me. She's as beautiful as ever 
she was. 

LiBERTv: (Liberty, evidently strengthened, rises and lifts again Iter torch. Then 
walking toward rock she addresses crowd:) 

(Throughout the entire third scene a candlestick has stood upon the top of 
Plymouth Rock (12) unlh candle lighted. Turning to candle. Liberty speaks;) 

LiBERTV: Americans, my children, behold the candle of civil and religious liberty your 
forefathers lighted long years, before France placed this flaming torch (holding 
Hp to her torch) within my hand. 

This sacred light hath never once been out during all the three hundred 
years since then. 

Agitator: (With insolence in his voice and manner, steps forward and strides to 
rock (11). Never been out? Rot! Poof! 

(Bloii's out the candle (12). — Crowd, aghast, gives startled cry. Liberty one shrill 
scream. Painful siloicc. Lozver stage lights.) 

Agitator: IVell, the blamed thing's out now, all right. What care we for your 
feeble candle. The candle's out. As for the Pilgrim Fathers they are dead ones. 

(At this point the audience room should be in almost utter darkness. Background 
curtain parts and Pilgrims stand on elevation to represent return of the Pilgrim- 
Spirits. Brezi'sfer in center, supported on either side by Carver and Standish. Other 
Pilgrims grouped about. Entire cast frightened or awed. Brezvster speaks in se- 
pulchral tones, yet clearly audible; and with deep feeling and resentment (13). 

Brewster: Not so! Not so! Stay thy foul breath, thou foul of heart. (Pause.) 
Profanest thou this sanctuary of Liberty? The candle is not out. Nor yet the 
Pilgrim Spirit dead! (Pause) Thinkest thou, insurgent soul, to banish God? 
That can't be done. (Pause) Nor canst thou extinguish a single candle He hath 
lighted. Thy sacreligious breath will but return with whirlwind force and blow 
thee as so much chaff from off the threshing floor. (Pause.) 

Once Liberty hath been kindled it burneth on forever, (pause), forever. 

What aileth tliee. America, child of Providence, as thou art our child? Hath 
prosperity cursed thee? Hath Columbia's wine gone to thy head? Art thou 
blinded by the noonday glare of freedom? Or art thou just overspent with war's 
exertion? 

What aileth thee, America? 

(Pause. A start. Observes Bible is no longer upon Rock altar.) 

The Book! The Bible ! The Word of God ! Gone! Why! Why! (Looks 
accusingly about.) Where is the Book? 

(Eloquent silence, crozvd shaking and hanging heads to indicate guilty conscience.) 

Carver: Master Brewster, we did surely leave the Bible upon this rock — (pause) 
and it was open (14). 

(Brezi'ster then requests some one in the crowd to bring him a Bible.) 

Brewster: Has anyone a Bible? (Pause.) Bring it hither. 
(.-igain silence.) 

16 



(EFFECT — Optional: Iiiif^rcssivc effect can be worked out where organ is 
equipped and organist able to produce semblance of wind and thunder. But do not 
overdo it. Just a touch of outer darkness and the storm of jarring human discords. 
Where there is electricity by opening and closing switch of a single remote circuit 
lightning effect may be produced.) 

(Brewster turns to Tamborini, standing nearest.) 

Brewster: Laddie, where is the Bible? (15). 

Tamborini: Search me. (Then, apologetically) I know the Book you want. They 

• teach it in the Mission School. 1 like it, too. I love those stories of the hoy 

Jesus, and the little Samuel; and when they read about that red-haired country 

kid what killed the giant, gee, I just feel like getting up and knocking the block 

off some bad fellows 1 know (15). 

(Then Br Cluster addresses Bradford, also standing near (16). 

Brewster: Little man, fetch a Bible. 

(Exit Bradford from right or left of stage. Quickly returns with large family 
Bible, older the better. Hands it to Brewster,) 

Brewster: This Book is old (pause) very old. 

(Looks on the inside cover and is startled to find written the name of an early 
Pilgrim. He reads:) 

Brewster: Charity Winslow! As I live, a Pilgrim name. (To Bradford.) Whose 
book is this? 

Br.-\dford: My mother's, sir (16). 

Brewster: Was then thy mother a Winslow? (13.) 

Bradford : My mother was a Winslow and so ant L My name is Henry Winslow 
Bradford. 

Brewster : Then thou art twice a son of noble stock. (Pause.) A worthy son thou 
art, at that. (Pause.) I now perceive the reason for thy friendliness with Lib- 
erty. 

(Brewster hands Bible to Liberty (17) unth words:) 

Brewster: Fair Goddess, restore the Bible to its rightful place upon the altar. 

(She does so, leaving Book open. Liberty remains standing (18) facing audi-' 
ence.) 

Brewster: Distressed Americans, bitterness will not cure the evils against winch 
ye rail. Ye be brethren of a common stock wherever born, or ye be not Amer- 
icans. The difference between man and man is not a great gulf-fixed; 'tis but a 
step which each, and both, and all must take — some day. 

Within the Holy Book there is a mystic golden rule. Take, use it and dis- 
card your rule of gold. 'Twas a noble mission to which the Pilgrims called 
you — to lift the world until man's practices conform unto God's high ideals. 
But ye have lowered God's ideals and sought to make them conform to evil hu- 
man practices. 

Repent, ye erring children. Re-dedicate yourselves beside this ancient altar 
and then go forth ; complete our great unfinished task. 

Pilgrims: Heaven grant they do it! (19) (Prayerfully.) Heaven grant they do it! 

Crowd: This we will do. This we will do. 

(From above altar zdiere electric light has been hidden, a bright beam falls upon 
the open Book. Colored glass in spotlight for contrast between lighting of entire stage 
and lighting of Bible. Celebrants fall upon their knees and sing; Pilgrims remain 
standing.) 

17 



Cklkbrants : Holy Spirit, Light divine 

Shine upon this Word of Thine. 
Ghase the shades of night away, 
Turn our darkness into day. 

Holy Ghost, with love divine. 

Dwell within this heart of mine. 
Gast down every idol throne, 

Reign supreme and reign alone. 

(Entire cast arises from leticcs. Liberty addresses Pilgrim Fathers (23). 

LiBERTv: We hail you, Pilgrims — fathers of our. race, 

With grateful hearts we shall your words embrace. 
And pledge you, for the hopes you thus inspire. 
Each votive day to rebuild this altar tire. (18) 

(Represent tolling of funeral hell.) 

Liberty : Hark ! As the worshippers about this shrine 

Their evil deeds unto its flames consign. 
The Vesper tolls the knell of dying sighs 
Gharming a purer spirit from the skies. 

(Choir may here sing the beautiful anthem. "Ring Out. Wild Fells— Gounod.^') 

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky 

The flying cloud, the frosty night. 

The year is dying in the night. 

Ring out, wild bells, and let it die. 

Ring out the old, ring in the new ; , 

Ring out the false, ring in the true. 

Ring out the grief that saps the mind, 

For those that here we see no more. 

Ring out the feuds of rich and poor. 

Ring out the want, the care, the sin. 

The faithless coldness of the times. 

Ring out, wild bells, ring out my mournful rhyme. 

But ring the fuller minstrel in. 

Ring out old shapes of foul disease. 

Ring out the narrowing lust of gold. 

Ring out the thousand wars of old ; 

Ring in the thousand years of peace. 

Ring in the valiant man and fi-ee. 

The larger heart, the kindlier hand. 

Ring out the darkness of the land. 

Ring in the Ghrist that is to be. 

(Beneath the Rock some one zvith a strong voice has been secreted throughout 
scene. At this point a silk American flag rises from out of the rock (20). // 
{"lectric fan is obtainable flag max be made to flutter. Voice from Rock speaks, at 
zi'hich entire cast zvithdraivs azvay in zvide circle to increase effect and to make it clear 
to audience that voice is indeed coming from rock.) 

Voice of Old Glory : Good morrow, flag makers ! A good morroiK' it is sure to 
be if you keep the vows Old Glory has heard you make. 

I greet you as I so often greet the coming dawn. 
I am not America's flag — you are. 
I am but the shadow of what you are. 
I am whatever you make me — nothing more. 
I live a changing life. 

Sometimes I am strong with pride — because you do honest work and noble deeds. 
Sometimes I droop — because purpose has gone out of you and you are selfish and 
cynical and play the coward. 

18 



I am your song and fear, your struggle and success, your dreams and your en- 
nobling hope. 

I float before your eyes, a bright gleam of color, the symbol of yourself, and the 
big things which alone can make your nation great. 

Old Glory has heard your vows and makes this fervent prayer. God bless each 
flag maker and the more beautiful emblem of liberty which some day will lie 
given to the breeze. Amen ! Amen ! 

(Adapted from "The American Spirit,'' Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the In- 
terior.) 

(Grand Finale — See stage directions.) 



EPILOGUE 

Liberty- (First addressing the rock (18). 

I. 

With reverent spirit let American now turn 
From all the present splendors of this time — 
The lofty towers that like a dream have grown 
Where Pilgrim Fathers once stood all alone — 
Back to this ancient shrine, with hearts that burn. 
In filial reverence and pride for those 
Wlio came from far beyond the ocean's roar 
To found a fatherland upon this shore. 
And every drop of ardent blood that ran 
Through their great hearts, was true American. 
They held no weak allegiance to an outside throne. 
But made the new-found country's cause their own. 

In peril and distress, 
In toil and weariness, 
When darkness overcast her 
With shadows of disaster, 
And voices of confusion 
Proclaimed her hopes delusion. 
Robed in pure patriot's gown. 
They dared the danger down. 

(Addressing Pilgrims.) 

Ye reverend fathers, at your call. 
We come to keep your joyous festival 

And celebrate 

With fitting state. 
The glory of your labors on the walls of state; 

For three long centuries have made your mcniorj- great. 
II. 

(Addressing audience.) 4 

And thou, my country, write it on thy heart, 
Thy sires are they who nobly take thy part; 
Who dedicate their manhood at thy shrine, 
Wherever born, are born as sons of thine; 
Foreign in name, but not in soul, they come 
To find in thee their long-desired home. 
Lovers of liberty and haters of disorder, 
They shall be built in strength along thy border. 
Ah, think not that thy future foes 
Will all be foreign born ! 

19 



Turn tliy clear look of scorn 

Upon thy children who oppose 

Their passions wild and policies of shame 

To wreck the righteous splendor of thy name: 

Untaught and overconfident thy rise 

With folly on their tongues and envy in their eyes. 

Strong to destroy but powerless to create 

And ignorant of all that made thy fathers great. 

Their hands would take away thy golden crown, 

And shake the pillars of thy freedom down 

In anarqhy's ocean, dark and desolate. 

III. 

O should that storm descend, 
What fortress shall defend 
The land our fathers wrought for, 
The liberties they fought for? ' 

What bulwarks shall secure 
Her shrine of law, and keep her founts of justice pure? 
Ah then, as in olden days 
The builders must upraise 
A rampart of indomital:)le men. 

Once again. 

Dear country, if thy heart and hand be true. 

There will be building work for thee to do ; 

Yea, more than once again. 

Thou shalt win lasting praise, 

And never-dying honor shall be thine 

For setting many stones in that illustrious line, 

To stand unshaken in the swirling strife, 

And guard their country's honor as her life. 

IV. 

(At this point the bootblack is to take from the hand of Liberty the torch, and 
the newsboy is to hand her an illuminated cross. This cross should be transparent, 
light unthin, when electricity is obtainable. An "Ever-ready" dry battery and lamp may 
be used. Having received cross Liberty holds it high, a substitute for the conven- 
tional torch.) 

(Closing stanca should be recited as though in prayer, gaze heavcnicard.) 

I 

O God, make of us what Thou wilt; 
Guide Thou the labor of our 'hand, 
Let all our work be surely built 
As Thou, the Architect, hast planned ; 
But whatso'er Thy power shall make 
Of these frail lives, do not forsake 
Thy dwelling. Let Thy Presence rest 
Forever in the temple of our breast. 

(Adapted from "The Builders." Henry Van Dyke.) 
Entire Cast: (Sing A)nrrica.) 

(During the singing, not before, slozvly run up flag (American or Christian, or 
both together) on pole behind entire grouping (22). 

CURTAIN. 
(Lights on.) f 



20 



PROPERTIES— ESSENTIAL 

The essential properties are few and simple, easily oI)tainable in any town. 

SCENE 1. 
Pulpit. 

Pews, the more out of date the better. 

No organ is needed. Tune raised by a mcml)cr of the congregation from tuning 
fork or tuning pipe. 
Bibles. 
Old-fashioned chair for History. 

SCENE 2. 

Plymouth Rock. This should be a box with sloping side towards audience, high 
enough at the back for person to be seated therein, legs extending under* sloping 
part. Covered with clotli or papier-mache, ruffled up to give elfect ot angular 
rocky surface. 

Parcels for Pilgrims to carry. 

Ship lantern, older the better, boat hook, and axe. 

SCENE 3. 

Rock. 

Bar of iron for beil effect, or old church bell. 
Large Bible, older the better. 
Bootblack box equipment. 
Bundle of newspapers. 
Candle and candlestick. 

American or Christian flag, neither too large nor too small, preferably of silk, to 
run up on flag pole. Also small American flag for over rock. 
Lamp with reflector or electric spotlight. 
Liberty torch. 
Cross. 

PROPERTIES— OPTIONAL 

SCENE 1. 

Back of platform an easily painted l)ackground curtam representmg side wall ot 
church, with one or two windows. 

Pulpit elevated and boxed in after ancient fasiiion. 

SCENE 2. 
Painted background curtain, woodland scene or row of pine trees. 

SCENE 3. 

Strong electric light with parabola reflector immediately t)ver Plymouth Rock, 
to be turned on when light from heaven falls upon" Book. 

Organ chimes to heighten eff^ect of Liberty's "Ring out the old. Ring in the new." 
Electric fan to produce effect of flag floating in breeze. 



21 



COSTUMING 

History: T.oiifif flowing garment of negative color. If possilile, wig for age. 

Large, old-fashioned spectacle frames; quill pen over ear. Large volume. 
Title made of large white paper letters, "History," legil)le when book is carried 
through audience resting upon left hip and held in left arm— also when stand- 
ing end up on tahle or stand witli liand restnig on top. 

Where preferred part taken by History may be rendered by pastor of local 
church. 

John Robinsox : Should wear Geneva pulpit gown, easily made of cambric or oth^r 
black got)ds in churches where pulpit gowns are not in use. 

Joiix (."auvku: KnickcrliiH-kers, high boots, wide at ton. Ued iiaMrir, trom which is 
suspended a powder horn. .Sword belt and sword. 

Capt. Jones: Full knickerbockers gathered in at knees. Short tassels hanging at 
gathering on outside of each leg. Drab shirt; slet'vcless jacket of dark purple. 
Red cap without vizor. Long brown hair. 

Elder Brewster: C\)nventional gray api)arel, with dark red cap w'tli no vizor. 

Miles St.vndish : Helmet, where possible. H not, Puritan hat. Breastplate, (iray 
knickerbockers. Blue or red jacket under breastplate, coming almost to knees. 
High boots almost to skirt of coat, very wide at top. 

Robert L'ushm.xn .\xi) Other Ph.crims: Clad in conventional gray apparel of the 
I)erio(l. (See i)icture.) Wide white collars and where possible black capes thrown 
loosely over shoulder when standing, fastened only at throat. 

Pilgrim hat, wide brim, gray or brown, if imssible. Widr black hat ribbon. 
large buckle at front. Tall crown tapering nji. May be made oi iiastelioard and 
trimmed with paiier. 
Bibles should be conspicuously carried l)y several Pilgrims. 

Some inen should wear wide sword baldric with large sip-.are buckk- over 
heart. Others should wear wide sash. 
All men should wear knickerbockers, low shoes and buckles. 

Women should wear conventional gray dress, some with very wide white 
collar, some with narrow white collar, and long flowing white tie. Women also 
may wear hoods. 

Chh-PREN: Boys — short jiants gathered at knees, short coat, white collar; toque 
hat. 

Girls — dresses to the tloor, full at the bottom. Small lioods. 

Seamen : V^arious costumes all belonging to period. 

Libi:rtv : Conventional costume. Torch to give i»lace to cross in linal ensemble. 

.'Vcitator: Optional. 

C'iti/.i;\ : Opticmal. 

Tami'.orixi : pjootblack dress and outfit. 

Bradeord; Plainly dressed, American boy, in short i)ants, 

Souaxto axu 1xi)L\xs; Ojitional. 

Choir: Attired as heralds of new day. Both men and women in long white gar- 
ments, each with long herald's IrnmiJet. (May be made of pasteboard and gold 
paper.) 



22 



STAGE DIRECTIONS 

Select cast with care. Insist upon distinct speaking and careful articulation. 
Don't rush action or speaking parts. 

The dialogues should he spoken slowl3\ not as though recited but as spontaneous 
utterances. 

Take zuork seriously. Let there be no undue levity. The pageant has a nies- 
sage»which cannot be "put across" unless each member of the cast "feels" the part. 

Keep ever before the performers the various climaxes which they are to reach. 
The more this is impressed upon them the better will be the co-operation and the spirit 
of team play. 

Let there be natural moving about upon the stage, thus avoiding the appearance 
of stiffness. 

In the fiirst scene tlie east uses right or left entrance Ijehind the curtain. Final 
exit is by way of the audience room. 

Chair (old-fashioned, if possible), should be provided for History who remains 
seated throughout pageant except when introducing scenes, etc. Should watch in- 
tently unfolding of events upon stage. 

In the seco)id scene entrance is from audience room and exit is from behind the 
curtain. 

In the third scene entrance is from audience room except for the Pilgrim Fath- 
ers, and exit is from behind the curtain after the grand finale. 

]n third scene keep children in evidence. Let them move about from time to 
time and from place to place. Avoid doing so en masse. Let first one, then another 
and another, etc., as though each child acted spontaneously. Inevitably they gravitate 
tov,'ard Liberty, for whom they show instinctive fondness. 

At close of third scene History will s(piare seat around, open Xolunie, adjust 
glasses, take pen and dip in inkwell and begin to write. 

(jrand Finale should include tlie entire cast so arranged thar Liberty occupies 
center of stage, standing on small platform high enough to raise her above Plymouth 
Rock. Immediately surrounding Liberty the children should be grouped. Other 
niemlicrs of cast grouped back of Libert}^ and to right and left with Indians at ex- 
treme right and extreme left. Pilgrim Fathers on elevated jilatform where they have 
been standing throughout third scne. Flag floating from flag pole, either American or 
Christian. 

Children of present period should be arranged so as to be conspicuou.s— the im- 
])ression to be left upon audience being that childhood is the hope of the better day. 
Tamborini and Bradford should stand upon either side of Lil)erty. 

Study carefully accompanying charts for stage grouping. Figures scattered 
throughout text indicate relative stage position when words are spoken. 



2^ 











SCENE 1 






ZJ 






a 

: 


3 




^< 






L-J 


LJ 




L-* 




K ' 

10 
8 9 


1 

H 



X — Curtain. E — All enter fexcept H s ory). H — H:story, enter from audience floor, 
center aisle. A — Pulpit, white if possible. 



""E-E 



-r-t 



ir 



SCENE 2 

3 

11 



— -Tk- ni- 
ls 



18 



Cr: 




^ 



10 6 9 



3 

El 



X — Curtain. *Cu'-tain, lore<t scene or row of everpreens. P. R. Plymouth Rock. 
R. — small rocks. All enter from audience. Exit by E. 






y. 



SCENE 3 

T9 — "^T — n:9- 



14 13 



16 ^^ 15 



t- 




F 




i^^ 



1 

^a 



W 



X 



X — Curtain. Z — Back cui^ains to open from center. Draw strings to make them 
drape when up. Y — Strong platform, about 3 ft. wide. P. R. — Plymouth Rock. R — 
Smaller rocks. Enter from audience, all except Pilgrims, who are standing on Y 
when back curtain parts. H — History. 

24 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



014 069 278 5 



